Great Britain has voted to leave the European Union.
In a move that will have far-reaching effects not just for Ireland but for international relationships and the global economy, the people of the United Kingdom have opted to leave the EU by a margin of 52% to 48%.
The backlash has been immediate, with the pound weakening by almost 10% overnight – the biggest contraction of wealth in the UK since 1921.
Both Northern Ireland and Scotland, who voted in overwhelmingly large margins to remain part of the EU, will now likely take steps towards their own referendum to leave the UK.
Northern Ireland receives considerable funding from the EU in support of the peace process. Questions will also now arise over what measures Great Britain will take in terms of patrolling the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
McGuinness is now seeking a border poll, in order to sound out the feelings of those in the North with regards leaving the United Kingdom. McGuinness has previously said that a Brexit would create a “democratic imperative” for Northern Ireland to hold a referendum on UK membership.
Since the news, David Cameron has also announced that he intends to step down as leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister of Great Britain.
